Deck Repair Suggestions

L&VW

Well-Known Member
Supported by the tub, the inside edge has taken some hits. Over the years, this damage has progressed to the point that it has become a thorn in my backside. :confused:.

I'll be using epoxy. That I can see, there's no alternative but to grind down into the edge of the tub, and build up several layers of fiberglass--use cloth?

Seeing that this area is likely to be damaged again, how large an area should be ground down?

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That doesn't look all that bad. Just grind out the minimum, but what's damaged. Use as much glass/cloth as possible obviously. It should be almost 1/4" thick...or 3/16.. And a good layup should be as good as new. I see nothing wrong with regular resin but I know you like West. But generally you're just grinding out the damage with enough repair overlay edge and typically no need for more. 1/8-3/16" sounds thin but it should be strong enough. ...and you might grind enough BUT just before GOING THRU....or just barely in places. It'll make laying cloth that much easier. A couple layers of a lighter weight cloth might be easier than one chunk of woven roving also and easier to final fair. I like fairing with mat and then a skim coat of fairing stuff
 
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Fiberglass patch is suppose to be 12 percent bigger than the damaged area. It may
just be cracked gelcoat. If so you can groove out the crack in the gel-coat and marine-tex
it. For those of us who don't do a lot of fiberglass work, the best way to get a repair that
does not look worse then when we started is to lay up on the back-side of the damage then
groove and Marine-Tex the cracked gel-coat. I get the feeling if that crack bugs you, you'll be
more bugged by a rookie looking repair.
 
Fiberglass patch is suppose to be 12 percent bigger than the damaged area. It may just be cracked gelcoat. If so you can groove out the crack in the gel-coat and marine-tex
it. For those of us who don't do a lot of fiberglass work, the best way to get a repair that does not look worse then when we started is to lay up on the back-side of the damage then groove and Marine-Tex the cracked gel-coat. I get the feeling if that crack bugs you, you'll be more bugged by a rookie looking repair.
One half of the back side of the damage can't be reached! :confused:
 
Well, it being a Sunfish you could just go the Marine-Tex route for
now. If the crack reappears you could go to more complicated measures
as in fiberglass patching. If the damage is on the tub flange check and
see if the flange has not separated from the deck. It might give you
a option of wedging the deck-tub seam open a little to slide a patch
in. These type of repairs are where you put the problem in you mind
and let it rattle around for a few days.
 
Thin glass flexes but can still be strong. Think pole vault pole
Looks what you have is just some gel cracking a some minor grinding should be all that's needed. If desired you could always reinforce under the deck overhang into the cockpit and down the tub wall. Like mentioned, finish work will either devalue your boat or you've maintained its worth
 
Guess it may be structural crack after all. Well, after grinding off the Gel-Coat and
patching the top of the deck you'll get to play with a Praval Sprayer
and Gel-Coat. Should be worth the price of admission just for the experience.
Should be doable for less than $100.

I was just outside power washing a free
Sunfish someone gave me. Boat only weighs about 100 lbs. I think most of
the foam was removed. All the trim is ruined with monster size pop-rivets. I'd
have to pay $175 to replace the trim. Someone replaced the splash rail with a second
set of holes. Seems to have ventilated the boat well. With all the holes and no foam
I think it's worthy of the U-Boat designation.
 
Check the Internet for alternative pop-rivets. There's quite a variety out there that could save your trim. You may need to buy a new and unique pop-rivet gun, but it'll be cheaper than the replacement of new aluminum trim.

I'll be using West System epoxy, but only because I bought a gallon of resin ten years ago.:oops:

These type of repairs are where you put the problem in your mind and let it rattle around for a few days.
Good idea. :)

I'll cover the damage with duct tape, and repair it later--maybe wait for the off-season.

With duct tape and WD-40, the world's challenges can vanquished! :cool:
 
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No... Vise grips are THE important tool....for leaving a "signature"!

Unless you prefer to leave a signature with pliers...like on a hex bolt head! :)
 
Supported by the tub, the inside edge has taken some hits. Over the years, this damage has progressed to the point that it has become a thorn in my backside. :confused:.

I'll be using epoxy. That I can see, there's no alternative but to grind down into the edge of the tub, and build up several layers of fiberglass--use cloth?

Seeing that this area is likely to be damaged again, how large an area should be ground down?

View attachment 23605
L&VW,

Here is a link to the Sunfish guy in Burlington, VT: SUNFISH SAILBOATS

Alan Glos
 
This may be the guy who vacuums-up all the "good stuff" in New England.

Not that there's anything wrong with that!:confused:

Member jleonard, are you following this thread?
 
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I like how that guy has his shop set up and all the boats look nice. I would like to do something similar.
 
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Alan, I like your thinking. But while the race season is on I will just be careful. Have not pinched my Butt yet, but the thought does worry some, So will duct tape. What about Flex Tape? Have seen advertisements. They cut boats in Half put this tape on it and presto good as new
 
The deck is highly unlikely to break unless it is in horrible shape. Duct tape should be enough to avoid getting pinched.
 
...he's too busy wet sanding to post. He's a very nice guy, prefers hand work.

Anyway, if that corner is flexing it needs to be repaired.
 

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